Wellness tourism is poised to reach unprecedented levels, projected to hit a whopping $1.3 trillion by 2025 and this one fact is enough to justify the shifting emphasis on wellness than just a mere retreat. In recent times, the concept of wellness has evolved far beyond its traditional boundaries of exercise and nutrition, expanding into a multifaceted journey encompassing various aspects of life, including nurturing and fulfilling relationships, prioritizing rest and recovery, and addressing emotional and mental health.

Today, feeling good takes precedence over looking good, and the focus has shifted towards enhancing the quality of our years rather than just increasing our lifespan. The pursuit of longevity, aimed at living healthier and longer, has become a prominent theme, with wellness practices ranging from cutting-edge biohacks like cryotherapy and infrared light treatments as offered at Chenot Palace Gabala to immersive experiences such as multi-generational spa retreats, Turkish Hammams and Onsens.

Amid this landscape of holistic wellness, Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is another feather in the hat for the wellness industry in Middle-Eastern countries but is gaining popularity ever so rapidly across the world. The TAIM method combines ancient wisdom with modern approaches to health and healing. To learn more about this distinct wellness practice, we interacted with Dr. Mubaris Ahamed.T, TAIM Specialist at Zulal Wellness Resort to understand how TAIM is different from Ayurveda, its key elements and treatments and most importantly its long-term benefits on human health. Read on to learn everything about TAIM as practised at Zulal.

The Incorporation of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine at Zulal

Dr. Mubaris: Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is a system of wellbeing originally practised in the Arab world and is based on the body of knowledge best formalised in the Canon of Medicine written by physician-philosopher Ibn Sina, or Avicenna, in 1025. The Canon of Medicine emphasises restoration and life balance through the pillars of physical movement and recovery, mindfulness, diet, optimal digestive function, and adequate rest. 

In its contemporary form, TAIM is distilled from over a millennium of evidence-based wellness practices into a range of treatments and programmes aimed at supporting health in the 21st century, with an emphasis on restoring life balance through herbal medicines, spiritual therapies, dietary and mind-body practices. The Zulal wellness experience is built upon six pillars of wellness: Nutrition, Fitness, Spa,  Physiotherapy, Holistic Health and Aesthetics. TAIM is infused throughout each, together restoring body,  mind and spirit to optimum health in a sustainable manner. 

The Difference Between TAIM and Ayurveda: Principles, Treatments, Wellness Approach

Dr. Mubaris: Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine and Ayurveda are both holistic medical systems with ancient roots, emphasizing balance and harmony in the body and mind. Though they share some similarities in their approaches to wellness, they also have unique principles and treatments based on their cultural, historical, and religious contexts.

TAIM (Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine)

• Balance of Humours: This system is based on the concepts of Hippocrates (father of medicine), the idea of maintaining a balance between the four humours: blood (air), phlegm (water), yellow bile (fire), and black bile (earth). This concept was inherited from the Greco-Roman medical tradition and further developed in Islamic medicine.

• Prophetic Medicine: Islamic medicine often includes practices and remedies based on the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• Lifestyle Balance: Emphasizes balance in climate, diet, Physical exercise, sleep, excretion and emotional well-being.

• Use of herbs and natural remedies: Similar to Ayurveda, traditional Arabic medicine employs herbs and natural substances for healing.

Ayurveda

• Balance of Doshas: Ayurveda focuses on the balance of three biological energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas that defines their health and tendencies.

• Five Elements: Ayurveda is based on the theory of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether, which form the basis of all matter, including the human body.

APPROACH TO WELLNESS:

Both systems emphasize the importance of balance in all aspects of life, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They also promote preventive care through lifestyle adjustments and dietary measures.

In summary, while Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine and Ayurveda share a holistic approach to health and wellness, they differ in their foundational principles, concepts, and specific treatments. Each system reflects its unique cultural and religious heritage, offering distinct perspectives on health and healing.

Potential Benefits of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine for Wellness-seeking Guests

Dr. Mubaris: Over 250 medicinal herbs are used in contemporary TAIM practice, and at Zulal Wellness Resort, some of these include al sidr and neem tree pastes to camel milk enrichers. Holistic treatments such as hijama cupping, massage and energy balancing, clear blockages and remove toxins from the body, relieve long-term tension and repair the mind-body connection. 

True to Chiva-Som’s philosophy of delivering holistic solutions to health issues, Zulal Wellness Resort offers a range of spiritual therapies that help guests connect with themselves, their families and nature. These include fasting, prayer and dhikr chanting led by visiting practitioners and spiritual counsellors.  

The wellness experience is also defined by its wholesome cuisine, vital for nourishing both the body and the mind, and at Zulal Wellness Resort, a selection of Middle Eastern and international restaurants serve healthy, nutritious, flavourful and well-balanced meals that feature premium ingredients and prioritise local herbs and produce such as black seed and dates. All meals are halal and aid optimal digestive function in line with TAIM principles. Diets are individualised based on guests’ health needs and preferences, as guided by their health and wellness advisor. 

TAIM IN DAILY LIFE

Along with lifestyle recommendations as per six essential factors (atmospheric air/climate, food and drinks, physical exercise and rest, mental exercise and rest, sleep and wakefulness, and excretion of waste materials from the body), the apothecary carries local herbs and teas prescribed by a TAIM specialist to restore balance and serenity to the body, mind and spirit. While at the resort, guests can join in wellness cooking, tea infusion and essential oil workshops, learning the key TAIM ingredients to incorporate and how to live a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.

Key Elements and Therapies of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine at Zulal

TAIM Consultation: Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine consultation conducted by a TAIM specialist. In this consultation, the TAIM specialist enquires about the guest’s Mizaj (temperament) and dominant humour (akhlath) according to the concept of TAIM and will suggest appropriate lifestyle and herbal recommendations (if needed) according to TAIM principles (asbab sita zaruriya), which will support a lifelong journey to personal wellness.

Massage Al-Ra's (head massage): Pressure points on the head and neck are gently pressed to release tension along the meridian channels of the face, shoulders and neck, followed by a gentle massage of the temples using Zulal's locally made signature massage oil for promoting deep relaxation and balance of mind, body and spirit.

Hijama (dry/wet cupping therapy): Hijama, or cupping therapy, is an ancient healing tradition that involves the application of suction cups to the body to energise stagnant, congested blood and heat, stimulating a localized healing response in the body’s tissue and enhance the cleansing and removal of toxins from the body.

Massage Al-Batin wa Al-Ra’s (abdomen & head massage): A therapeutic massage focused on the head and abdomen allows for a powerful release of tension while the aromatic scent of our specially made signature oil, featuring a variety of traditional Arabic medicinal herbs, will induce a relaxed body and peace of mind.

Massage Al-Ra’s wa Al-Qadam (head & foot reflexology): This therapy features a powerful combination of two holistic techniques, working on key relaxation zones of the body. Through a rhythmic massage sequence switching from head to foot, you will experience rejuvenation and a renewed sense of well-being.

Massage Al-Batin (abdominal massage): This soothing and therapeutic internal organ massage, focuses on the abdomen where stress and negative emotions are held and opens the wind gate, releasing energetic tension to promote long-lasting health and vitality.

Traditional Qatari Hamiz (deep tissue): A deeply relaxing massage therapy that focuses on the whole body, using circular massage strokes with Zulal's TAIM-inspired signature Tadleek oil, locally inspired with indigenous Qatari and Arabic medicinal herbs, in combination with quartz stones to re-energize the body and stimulate circulation and energy flow. This is a truly unique and restorative therapy infused with the herbal traditions of Qatar.

Long-term benefits of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine

Dr. Mubaris: TAIM provides lifestyle recommendations with six essential factors as mentioned above according to the personal constituency, which will help the lifestyle transformation for a long time. Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine forms the foundation of our core pillars that promote and sustain health and well-being: diet and nutrition, physical movement and recovery, adequate rest and sleep, optimal digestive function, and mindfulness practices.

Guests Journey Pre & Post Treatments

Dr. Mubaris: Before arriving at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chivasom our health and wellness experts do a pre-arrival consultation which will help you to tailor a proper retreat. During the stay, the information about your health condition and TAIM constituency will cascade to our six modalities which will help you to get personal attention and benefits. After the stay, our wellness expert will keep in touch with you regarding the follow-up.

Would you like to experience the bountiful benefits of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine in the most indulgent way possible? Then you must experience the TAIM Retreat offered by Zulal. Contact Us for any enquiries about staying at Zulal Wellness Resort and travelling to Qatar.